[KineJapan] Noriko's "disappointing life"

[Kerim Yasar]

"iya" is often translated as “unpleasant” when used as an adjective, but the nuance is a good deal more earthy than that--It’s the primal “No!” of a young child who doesn’t want to eat or do or experience something. Depending on the context and tone it can signify anything from mild annoyance to deep revulsion and hatred.
“yo no naka” is often translated as “world” or “life” or “society” and in this case all three meanings seem to be active.
“bakkari” is often rendered “only,” “just,” “nothing but”
So one could plausibly render this far more forcefully:
“Isn’t it awful, this world?”“Yes, it’s just one awful thing after another.”
(“unatteku wa yo” is not in the film)
The fact that she says something so deeply, almost savagely pessimistic with a beaming smile on her face gives this moment a frisson that gets a little lost in the translation as is. 


    On Saturday, December 12, 2015 7:13 PM, Michael Kerpan <mekerpan2 at gmail.com> wrote:
 

 I have a question -- prompted by Ozu's birth/memorial day.

As I read the script of Tokyo Story (as someone not fluent) I get this
as the key exchange between Kyoko and Noriko:

Kyoko

Iyaa nee. Yononaka tte...  unatteku wa yo.

Noriko

Sou, iyanakoto bakkari.


This sure looks rather different to me than : "Isn't life
disappointing?" "Yes, it is".

Anyone care to offer a more literal translation
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